The Master delays

Raising of Lazarus.

(The Gospel History, Section 83)

Then after this he saith to the disciples, Let us go into Judæa again. The disciples say unto him, Rabbi, the Jews were but now seeking to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If a man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because the light is not in him. These things spake he: and after this he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus is fallen asleep; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. The disciples therefore said unto him, Lord, if he is fallen asleep, he will recover. Now Jesus had spoken of his death: but they thought that he spake of taking rest in sleep. Then Jesus therefore said unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.

The Master delays

(The Saviour of the World, Vol V Book V Poem LXXIII)

δ

But the Twelve, chief in the Church, were there,
Who needs must learn God’s secret ways;
To them spake Christ,—“Have ye no fear;
This sickness shall be for God’s praise:
Nor blame ye what seem vain delays,—
Needful, the Christ to manifest:”
See, the Lord’s countenance betrays
The love He bears that household blest,—

How He refrains Himself that He might serve them best!

“Come, go we to Judæa again:”
“Rabbi, they sought to stone Thee there!”
“A man from his work shall not refrain
While daylight lasts; he is aware,
Nor stumbleth in the light;—Prepare,
For Lazarus, our friend, now sleeps
And I go to awaken him.” They stare;
“Nay, sleep is good,” say they, “none weeps

For such reprieve:” “he is dead:” saith He who all souls keeps.

St. John xi. 7–14.

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